S1E62: No alcohol, just vibes: How are Singapore’s Gen Zs partying differently?

Sep 11, 2025

37:28

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Gen Zs are out here skipping the alcohol, but not the party.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

In daytime or earlier-evening parties, a growing number of young people in Singapore are heading to raves, cafes and clubs to vibe to sick beats – with matchas and coffees in hand.

I’m not a clubber by any means, but I’m curious why Gen Zs are embracing this sober partying movement wholeheartedly.

Back in my day, pre-gaming with alcohol before the club, checking out different venues, and ending the night at a supper joint at 3am were the highlights of those nights out.

What changed for Gen Zs and what does this mean for the nightlife scene here?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with:

Kavan Spruyt, co-founder of Rasa Space, who has worked with renowned venues like Berghain in Berlin, and Kyo in Singapore; and
Shahan Shah Shawn, one of the Gen Z co-founders of Exposure Therapy, a company that organises events that redefine what a party can look like.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:42 What does partying sober mean?

3:56 How high costs kill the party

12:20 What’s driving the rise of day time parties?

15:50 Is this trend mirrored in the nightlife scene overseas?

19:20 The Gen Z flex: going to the gym at 5am

25:25 Do Gen Zs find alcohol uncool?

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by: Studio+65